St. Catharines Museum Celebrates Black History Month

See the Award-Winning Follow the North Star exhibit at the St. Catharines Museum this Black History Month – February 2019

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite all Canadians to take part in community events for Black History Month and learn more about the important role that Black Canadians have played – and continue to play – to strengthen the country we all call home.” – from a Statement on Black History Month from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

News from the City of St. Catharines in Niagara, Ontario

Posted February 5th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

A statue of the great heroine of the Underground Railroad and one time St. Catharines resident Harriet Tubman, standing at a public school named after her in St. Catharines, Ontario

Niagara, Ontario –The St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre is celebrating Black History Month in February with special guided tours of its award-winning Follow the North Star exhibit.

Museum visitors are invited to learn more about local Black History at the St. Catharines Museum with special guided tours every Thursday this month (Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28) at 10:30 a.m. and select Saturdays (Feb. 9, 23) at 10:30 a.m.

“Everyone is invited to explore the Follow the North Star exhibit and discover the rich legacy of Niagara’s African-Canadians,” said Kathleen Powell, curator of the St. Catharines Museum. “The special guided tours tell the stories of the city’s first African-Canadian settlers, such as Harriet Tubman, St. Catharines’ role in the Underground Railroad, and more.”

Follow the North Star is a permanent exhibit at the museum and recognizes the contributions of local Black Canadians to St. Catharines, Niagara, and Canada. Black History Month is celebrated across the country every February and offers the opportunity for everyone to learn about these stories and the many important contributions of Black Canadians.

Tours are open to everyone; however, space is limited. Call 905.984.8880 to book your spot. Admission is by donation.

One of our greatest people in the Niagara region, Wilma Morrison, who has worked tirelessly to see that the struggles and achievements of Black people are honoured in the history of our country.

Visitwww.stcatharinesmuseum.cato learn more about its Black History Month activities, the Follow the North Star exhibit and other information about the St. Catharines Museum.

The St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre is located at 1932 Welland Canals Parkway. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is by donation.

Niagara At Large is also posting the following words from a Statement by Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, on Black History Month –

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Black History Month:

“Today marks the beginning of Black History Month, a time to celebrate Black culture and history, and to reflect on the significant contributions Black Canadians have made to building Canada.

“As leaders, advocates, entrepreneurs, artists, members of our armed forces, and everything in between, Black Canadians have helped shape our history and our identity as a country.

“Whether on the global stage or here at home, they have defended the values that make us who we are – values like freedom, justice, democracy, and equality. Their work has helped transform Canada into a more inclusive, compassionate, and prosperous country for all of us.

“But it also reminds us of the inequality and barriers many continue to face, from anti-black racism and discrimination to a lack of opportunity and resources. That’s unacceptable. Our diversity is our strength, and we need to do more to achieve real equality for young Canadians and everyone in our country. …

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite all Canadians to take part in community events for Black History Month and learn more about the important role that Black Canadians have played – and continue to play – to strengthen the country we all call home.”

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